Pop & Lock Installation

First thing I want to say is a big THANK YOU to Joe (Pizza Man) for making the P&L group buy possible. He got us a great price, and did all the hard work....getting our orders, getting the locks shipped from the manufacturer, then mailing them out to us. Standing ovation to you, Joe! (I'm standing as I type this. :D )

I'm starting this separate thread for the Pop & Lock installation so it won't get lost in the "P&L Ordering" thread. Hopefully, folks will post their ideas and tips for the P&L install. Here are some things I encountered that might be helpful to others as they do their own installation.

1. The instructions which come with the lock (and Joe helped write) are very good. The instructions AND a very good picture of the installation are here.... http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/324217-post12.html and I've also included the pic with this post.

I printed the pic of the installed lock (the one showing the workings of the lock system inside the tailgate), and it was tremendously helpful to look at when I was installing the lock. Nice to see exactly what it's supposed to look like.

2. This post by edarnoldnet was also very helpful with the installation..... http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/exterior/22393-pop-n-lock-available-now-but-beware-poor-instructions.html Very good tips to aid with installation and supplement the instructions.

3. In step #2, be sure you read the part about exchanging the bolts holding the bracket. Be sure to note that you can exchange the bolts you take out with the bolts you'll also take out in step #6. This is clearly covered in the instructions, but I almost overlooked it. If you don't exchange the bolts, the washers on the ones you initially take out won't let the bolts fit when the new bracket is installed.

4. The drill bits recommended for the installation are unusual sizes, and I didn't have either size recommended. However, you can easily substitute drill bits that are close to the sizes recommended. Just use the holes in the bracket as your guide, and pick bits that will fit OK through those holes.

5. Biggest problem I had was re-installing the tailgate cap. Took me almost 30 minutes to get the d*mn thing back on right!! In fact, that took longer than installing the lock. Be sure to look at how the plastic cap is made, and how it fits on the white clips. It has to be positioned just to the right of the clips...so the openings in the cap fit over the clips, then it slides to the left to lock into the clips. You may need to push your hip against the middle of the cap to make sure it doesn't bow in the middle.

If anyone has any additional tips for re-installing the tailgate cap, I'm sure they'd be appreciated. I was unprepared for how big a hassle that was. At least for me.

The entire install took me about an hour and fifteen minutes, but I took my time and went slowly. And a big part of my time (20-25 minutes) was spent trying to get the tailgate cap back on. Installing the lock is actually pretty simple. It all fits together very easily. Again, having the picture (mentioned above) was very helpful. Even if you're not too mechanically inclined, you should be able to do this installation yourself.

If I can provide further info, please post on this thread or PM me. Good luck with your installation!
Tom

Caution on the directions: Look at the lower left hand corner for the date code... In the "Silver" set, the instructions are from "11-20-07"... The set that came with with the black is current, "6-08"...

With either set of directions and the photo Tom pasted into this thread you should be able to do the install with no problem. It's pretty self explanatory.

Do be afraid of the instructions. If I could figure it out anyone can. :)

Thanks for the helpful hints guys. This thread will really come in handy when I go to install mine. Yeah, I got the silver, and I noticed it has the "11-20-07" instructions and noticed it there are only 8 steps in the older instructions, as opposed to 10 in the new.

Thanks again guys.

I would appreciate it if someone could take a picture of the mechanism when it is locked so I can see what it is doing when it locks. I'm also curious, can you move both handles when the lock is engaged?

Thanks

I would appreciate it if someone could take a picture of the mechanism when it is locked so I can see what it is doing when it locks. I'm also curious, can you move both handles when the lock is engaged?

Thanks
The P&L jams the handle mechanisms, Chris. The handles move slightly, up to the point where they contact the jam.

Just finished... some of my observations and pics.... The lock is more for peace of mind... It should keep out the hitch hikers... :rolleyes:

I used some gorilla glue to lock down the front half of the tumbler assembly to the back half. I wanted to make sure that if some wants to break in they can take the whole tumbler assembly and not just the front half; leaving the main shaft still attached to the locking mechanism and operational with some pliers.


3. In step #2, be sure you read the part about exchanging the bolts holding the bracket. Be sure to note that you can exchange the bolts you take out with the bolts you'll also take out in step #6. This is clearly covered in the instructions, but I almost overlooked it. If you don't exchange the bolts, the washers on the ones you initially take out won't let the bolts fit when the new bracket is installed.... No need for mine. All bolts are identaical... all contained the washer and locking washer... Fit without any issues.

5. Biggest problem I had was re-installing the tailgate cap. Took me almost 30 minutes to get the d*mn thing back on right!! In fact, that took longer than installing the lock. Be sure to look at how the plastic cap is made, and how it fits on the white clips. It has to be positioned just to the right of the clips...so the openings in the cap fit over the clips, then it slides to the left to lock into the clips.

I lined the tailgate cap up with the tailgate down. Position the screw holes of the cap just right of the holes on tailgate backing... The cap then slides right onto the tailgate.
You may need to push your hip against the middle of the cap to make sure it doesn't bow in the middle....
If anyone has any additional tips for re-installing the tailgate cap, I'm sure they'd be appreciated. I was unprepared for how big a hassle that was. At least for me.

I had to turn the driver’s side inside clip 90 degrees as it would not catch but would come out and wedge in, making the cap not completely fit. I also did not use a rubber mallet to take it off, just used muscles and my weight..... :) ... I also did not require a rubber mallet to put the cap back on. It slides with a bit of effort. To make things even easier, don’t clean the torx screw holes; use the dirt to realign the back panel. :D

I would appreciate it if someone could take a picture of the mechanism when it is locked so I can see what it is doing when it locks. I'm also curious, can you move both handles when the lock is engaged?

Thanks

Slightly.... Since the sideways handle operates via cable, I could see myself forgetting it is locked and overtime stretching the cable to the point of it not working...

From an engineering perspective :rolleyes: .... I think the slight play is purposeful due to the tailgate mechanism being a conglomerate of metal and plastic. I would hate for the locking mechanism to be so tight with no handle movement to the point where temperature fluctuations would crack the plastic parts....:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I used some gorilla glue to lock down the front half of the tumbler assembly to the back half. I wanted to make sure that if some wants to break in they can take the whole tumbler assembly and not just the front half; leaving the main shaft still attached to the locking mechanism and operational with some pliers.
Assuming that it would break the way you describe.

The main shaft is plastic, my guess would be the screw securing the Crank Link to the Tumbler shaft would strip out under that kind of stress before the lock would split apart. This would leave nothing for the pliers to grab. I'm not into destructive testing, so I'll leave those assumptions up to you. I'm satisfied knowing this lock offers more security than the lock on my Tonneau.

I agree the lock is for piece of mind, as is every other lock I own. As I said on a previous post in another Thread, a properly placed crowbar will open a Tonneau in seconds. This lock offers an additional level of security and hassle to anyone trying to get into it. It wasn't designed to replace anything at Ft. Knox.

PIZZA MAN,

I'm sorry to ask, I'm just wondering if I can still join the group buy for pop & lock? I posted on your ordering thread and asked the same question. Please let me know and the method of payment. I want a black color.

Thank you and appreciate your reply.

Just finish installing my white Pop N Lock. Color match is very good and looks like it was straight from the factory. This thread came in real handy when I install mine. Thanks for the helpful hints and great pictures. They really made quite easy.

Biggest problem I had was re-installing the tailgate cap. Took me almost 30 minutes to get the d*mn thing back on right!! In fact, that took longer than installing the lock. Be sure to look at how the plastic cap is made, and how it fits on the white clips. It has to be positioned just to the right of the clips...so the openings in the cap fit over the clips, then it slides to the left to lock into the clips. You may need to push your hip against the middle of the cap to make sure it doesn't bow in the middle.

If anyone has any additional tips for re-installing the tailgate cap, I'm sure they'd be appreciated. I was unprepared for how big a hassle that was. At least for me.

Tom

I just got done installing my lock. It doesn't get much easier than this Pop & Lock. Thanks again Joe!

As for the tailgate cap, I tried the way the instructions say to reinstall it one time, and I can see what Tom meant. This was going to be a hassle getting all the clips locked in place. So, I took all the clips out of the tailgate and slid them in the spaces in the cap, lined the holes up and popped it right on.

Edit: I just looked in the Ridgeline service manual. It says,

" Before reinstalling the top trim, install the upper clips on the trim. Hold the trim up, and fit all the upper clips into the holes in the tailgate, then push on the trim until the clips snap into place."

Hope this helps.

finished my install today and overall it was pretty easy. As with everyone, the final trim piece was a bit of a hassle. Good to be able to lock stuff securely in the bed. Thanks Joe.

Just curious if anyone received a Warranty Card with their lock? The instruction sheet lists the card as one of the contents.

I agree the lock is for piece of mind, as is every other lock I own. As I said on a previous post in another Thread, a properly placed crowbar will open a Tonneau in seconds. This lock offers an additional level of security and hassle to anyone trying to get into it. It wasn't designed to replace anything at Ft. Knox.

How many seconds? :D .... All tonneaus are not created equal.... ;) .. You could cut my side rail bolts and it still would not lift up OR collapse down... :eek: ...

I give them 10 minutes... Why so long? Once they figured they are wasting their time on the cover and don't want to cut their hands on the sharp metal, they will use the crow bar to bust open the tailgate on the side... :)

PIZZA MAN,

I'm sorry to ask, I'm just wondering if I can still join the group buy for pop & lock? I posted on your ordering thread and asked the same question. Please let me know and the method of payment. I want a black color.

Thank you and appreciate your reply.
Give me a few days, Ridgeline08_4me. I still have about 25 more to ship this week. When I get those done, I'll put the extras I bought up for sale. The Group Buy is officially done.

On a side note, Pop & Lock is still interested in selling them to us in groups. I may do this again if there is enough interest.

Give me a few days, Ridgeline08_4me. I still have about 25 more to ship this week. When I get those done, I'll put the extras I bought up for sale. The Group Buy is officially done.

On a side note, Pop & Lock is still interested in selling them to us in groups. I may do this again if there is enough interest.

Thank You Pizza Man, as soon as you get a chance PM me with detail - cost and payment thru paypal.

Step 10 of the revised instructions should be changed to read something more like:

Place the clips into the top trim, line the clips up with the holes in the tailgate, push on the trim until the clips snap into place.

Step 10 of the revised instructions should be changed to read something more like:

Place the clips into the top trim, line the clips up with the holes in the tailgate, push on the trim until the clips snap into place.
Agreed, Ralph. I submit the change to them.

Agreed, Ralph. I submit the change to them.

I actually did mine differently, I left the click in the tailgate, then offset the trim and slid it over. Seemed to work OK for me.

I actually did mine differently, I left the click in the tailgate, then offset the trim and slid it over. Seemed to work OK for me.
That's the method ONDLINKS and I used and was also successful. Obviously either method will work. Just depends on what you find easiest.

That's the method ONDLINKS and I used and was also successful. Obviously either method will work. Just depends on what you find easiest.

Seemed a little more forgiving that way.

Thanks again for arranging the buy.

I just looked in the Ridgeline service manual. It says,
" Before reinstalling the top trim, install the upper clips on the trim. Hold the trim up, and fit all the upper clips into the holes in the tailgate, then push on the trim until the clips snap into place."

I actually did mine differently, I left the click in the tailgate, then offset the trim and slid it over. Seemed to work OK for me.

That's the method ONDLINKS and I used and was also successful. Obviously either method will work. Just depends on what you find easiest.

I left the clips in the tailgate during the installation of the lock. When buttoning the tailgate up, I tried the same method the first time...Only a few clips caught. Remembering reading posts from others having trouble sliding the top trim on, per the instructions, I decided to try putting the clips on the top trim. Most of the clips fit VERY tight into the slots on the top trim and had to use a screwdriver to force some of them in place. I don't think mine would have ever been tight on all the clips by sliding it over the clips in the tailgate. This method by far was much easier for me, and is also how the Service manual describes the reinstallation of the taligate top trim.

Installed my silver Pop N Lock today and it took about 45 minutes. Install all the clips on the cap and it just snaps on very easily as was suggested. This should be part of the instructions. They should also be corrected to say hold the crank link (step 8) with a pair of needle nose pliers. The shaft is round and you can't hold it with a crescent wrench. I added a bit of grease to the parts where they rub together. Thanks to Joe for his hard work and all of those with suggestions. This is a GREAT addition to keep things secure. Eric :)

I just got done installing my lock. It doesn't get much easier than this Pop & Lock. Thanks again Joe!

As for the tailgate cap, I tried the way the instructions say to reinstall it one time, and I can see what Tom meant. This was going to be a hassle getting all the clips locked in place. So, I took all the clips out of the tailgate and slid them in the spaces in the cap, lined the holes up and popped it right on.

Edit: I just looked in the Ridgeline service manual. It says,

" Before reinstalling the top trim, install the upper clips on the trim. Hold the trim up, and fit all the upper clips into the holes in the tailgate, then push on the trim until the clips snap into place."

Hope this helps.

Ahhh, RRIDER....sure wish I'd seen your suggestion when I was installing my P&L. Would have saved me lots of time and cussing! Thanks for posting this tip!

I installed my lock today and it only took about 45 minutes. It wasn't to diifficult but as many have said in this thread, the instructions are wrong in several places.

In Step 1, I have 18 clips not 16.

In Step 2, my bolts were 10mm not 6mm and they have washers on them that won't allow them to back on. I put them in the vice and pounded the screws out of the washers. This kind of messed up the threads but I was still able to use them. No big...

In Step 7, pictures on this thread we're really helpful. I believe the instructions show the piece upside down. The pictures here saved the day - really! Thanks for that.

And of course the missing instructions where you put the trim piece back on. As mentioned here - placing the 16 clips (18 in my case - I must be special) into the trim piece, closing the tail gate, sitting the trim into place making sure everything lines up and then popping it carefully with my fist. Piece of cake - this worked very easily for me. (plus I got to hit something)

Thanks everyone for your help and pictures. Thanks Pizza man for your hard work in setting this group buy up. It looks great!

Bruce, it appears not everyone has the washers. Mine did not. Others have found you can swap the bolts from the bolt link with those used by the crank link.

Enjoy your lock! :)

Installed mine this evening-no real issues except when securing the crank link to the lock shaft--screw did not really tighten (lock shaft is plastic). Maybe I overtightened but I don't think so. It seemed to work fine but I decided to put in a slightly larger diameter screw that snugged up better.
I had an advantage with this as I had installed a Dynolock a couple years ago and have had the tailgate apart several times. The reason I wanted this lock was that I had reliability issues with the Dynolock and was lucky that it was in an unlocked state when they arose. Once, a wire connector separated where the connector was attached to the wire--I replaced and soldered all after that. More recently, it just started working intermittently. I can't find a reason so I disconnected it. The electrical actuator was showing some wear (the rubber boot on it had ripped and disintegrated).
Even for this lock, I don't trust it--I'm worried that the lock bezel will strip out where connected to the crank link. I decided to take a page from Chris Ms installation of his lock and tied a string to the end of the bolt linkage and routed the other end to the right side of the tailgate where I can snag it if the lock fails in the locked position. Then a simple pull of the string will pull the bolt linkage to the unlocked position. Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I've almost been caught twice with failing locks and this seems like good insurance. I'm not sure how you can take the tailgate apart in the closed position to override the lock.

I know the group buy is over. HOwever, where is everyone getting their silver pop n locks, who has the best price? Thanks.

I know the group buy is over. HOwever, where is everyone getting their silver pop n locks, who has the best price? Thanks.

From the group buy... Check eBay...

One big concern I've had from the beginning is that you could forget the P'nL is locked and pull too hard on the handle to open the tailgate....resulting in a broken lock. Don't know if this could actually happen or not. Maybe the lock is strong enough that it would hold even under extreme pressure. But I do try to always look and see if it's locked before trying to open it. No need to apply too much pressure unnecessarily. If it doesn't open very easily, TRY THE LOCK.

Overall, I couldn't be happier with the P'n L. Looks factory made, and works great. Everyone I've shown it to thought it was OEM. Once again....thanks, Joe.

Overall, I couldn't be happier with the P'n L. Looks factory made, and works great. Everyone I've shown it to thought it was OEM. Once again....thanks, Joe.

Me too. I don't use it much, but in not so great neighbourhoods, I make sure I do. Combine it with the glove box trunk lock, of course. Anything to slow down thieves.

I just installed a pop & lock. And the photos were an immense help!!! Thanks so much.

Only problem I had was getting the key to turn the lock after installation. After soaking in silicone spray to loosen it up and putting the tailgate back together, I read the last sentence in step 5: "Back off the bolts if the lock doesn't turn freely..."

In the Army they used to drill it in: RTGDP! Someday I will learn.

I just installed a pop & lock. And the photos were an immense help!!! Thanks so much.

Only problem I had was getting the key to turn the lock after installation. After soaking in silicone spray to loosen it up and putting the tailgate back together, I read the last sentence in step 5: "Back off the bolts if the lock does't turn freely..."

In the Army they used to drill it in: GTGDP! Someday I will learn.
Good luck with the Pop & Lock, brooktondale. May I ask what the going price is?

$78.95 from AutoAnything. Free Shipping. As of January 6, 2009.

$78.95 from AutoAnything. Free Shipping. As of January 6, 2009.
Wow! :eek: I know P&L upped their prices back in September, but that's way higher than the price I was quoted by them. No wonder you got free shipping.

If I was to run another Group Buy and assuming there has been no price increase since Sept '08, the cost would be $55, shipped. That also assumes the Group Buy would be for over 50 units. The original Group Buy was around $42, shipped.

Thanks, brooktondale. Maybe this information will spur on another Group Buy. :)

I would definitly purchase a pop and lock. You can put me on the list. That is not a bad price at all. I am about to purchase a Bak flip in the next few weeks as a late X-mas gift.

I am about to purchase a Bak flip in the next few weeks as a late X-mas gift.
Good choice in covers, John. I'm waiting for T Mac to give the go-ahead on another group buy. If I get his blessing, I'll post another interest thread.

Stay tuned. :)

Good choice in covers, John. I'm waiting for T Mac to give the go-ahead on another group buy. If I get his blessing, I'll post another interest thread.

Stay tuned. :)

Thanks Joe it took me a long and hard time to decide on a cover. Melissa says I shop like a women when I look for stuff for the Ridge. LOL :D

I bought a Pop & Lock for my Ridgeline from www.streetsideauto.com out of Kansas City, Kansas. It was $62.03 with free Fed Ex ground shipping and they shipped it the same day. I got it today and installed it in a little over an hour. It works and looks great.

I also had a bit of a struggle with the tailgate cap. I tried to put it back on the reverse of the way it came off, but I couldn't get all the clips to slide in properly. So I removed all the clips from the gate and slid them on to the cap with the help of a pair of pliers. I was then able to line up the clips with the holes in the gate and pop them in place.

My G2 BakFlip cover is on its way. I bought it on ebay from Fast Lane USA Store (Elkhart, Indiana) on a "Buy it Now" auction for $694.99 including free freight. They had great reviews, so I trust everything will arrive as promised. I'm anxious to do that install now.

No surprise that the PnL has gone up since Joe got us the group buy. Interesting to see that folks are paying about twice what we paid with the initial group buy. One again, thanks Joe! I couldn't be more pleased with my PnL.

When and where were these $31 shipped?

When and where were these $31 shipped?
TCape is referring to another member who paid $79 shipped. The group buy was selling them for about $42 each shipped. Just a little more than half of that price.

The group buy happened before you joined the ROC. :(

Got ya. I picked one up a couple months ago from an ebay seller who was selling the black ones for right at or under $50 shipped. I then painted it silver to mach my RTL.

QUESTION.. Are there any other locking tail gate latches out there to buy? or is Popn'lock the best one to get?

Jayman,

Thanks for the tip on where you purchased the Pop N Lock. Just to let other Ridgeline owners know...The PL6000 is the black finish:

http://www.streetsideauto.com

This coupon will give 5% off a purchase:

Coupon Code: rtmnt
exp: 12/31/2010

Now..Hopefully I will not have any install issues...when my Pop N Lock arrives. This thread will definitely be used as a guide!

how hard are they to install?? i have taken a door completely apart and back together is it anything like that or is it harder?

how hard are they to install?? i have taken a door completely apart and back together is it anything like that or is it harder?
Easy rak, very easy!

Easy rak, very easy!

i guess i will try it, my friend installed roof racks running boards and crap on his tacoma maybe he can help with this

the only part im really concerned about is taking the cover panel off, so what i just hit that top part with the hammer to take it off then unscrew it and it will come off like the interior door panel??

The installation links I originally posted in this thread seems to have disappeared. No idea why. The installation pics sure helpful anyone attempting to install the PnL. If anyone has the original installation pics, please post them. They'll be very helpful to anyone trying to intall the PnL.

Re-installing the tailgate cap was by far the biggest problem I had with the PnL installation. I came very close to screwing up my tailgate cap because I didn't watch carefully when I took it off. If anyone can post pics and instructions about doing this, I'm sure it will be greatly appreciated.

Just a note....I've had my PnL for months now, and I couldn't be more pleased with it. It looks like it came from the factory, and it has worked perfectly since I installed it.

Thanks to everyone here....I was able to have a successful Pop & Lock install. The pictures were a great help with seeing where the parts go.

I highly suggest using WD40 to make the Pop & Lock parts move smoother...when turning from lock to unlock.

Also becareful of over tighting!!

Just like other Ridge owners that added the Pop & Lock...I was worried of breaking the clips. Putting the clips in the top trim before installing on the of tailgate seem the most logic. I was able to close the deal with the use of my rubber mallet :D.

It really is an easy install....the hardest part was pulling the trim off the tailgate.

Now....Just have to find a good deal on the Bakflip HD.

bizz,
did you use the black pop and lock on your truck. How does it look. I have a nimbus too but wasn't too sure how it was going to look. Can you post a pic?

Ygu12,

I did use the black Pop N Lock. It looks like the lock was an oem install on the truck. I was very impressed when the job was complete. I will post a picture this evening to show how the black Pop N Lock blends with the nimbus grey.

I had a silver Ridgeline and I bought the black pop n lock and painted it to match. It is plastic so the paint isnt a 100% match, probably about 90%.

Turned out pretty good. Can you find it? :)

My RL is Steel Blue. I also used a black P&L. With all the other black parts on the rear of the truck I think the black lock blends nicely.

bizz, it looks great, I can't wait to do mine now. I do like the way the nimbus looks with the black accessories, I am very happy with my color choice. If I ever get around to washing it, I have to post some pics of it.

The reason I painted the lock was as follows:

Putting a single black object such as the pop n lock right in the middle of the tailgate with no other black objects on the tailgate seemed to me like it would stick out like a terd in a punch bowl. JMO! :)

The nice thing about the Pop 'n Lock is that it looks like OEM, no matter what color you choose. I think you could put a silver one on a blue truck and most folks would still think it's OEM. Nice idea to paint it...even it's just "close" to your truck color. I got a black one for my black truck, and it's looks like it came from the factory. It's sure been great so far. Biggest problem I had with it was getting the tailgate top back on right. For those contemplating the PnL, be SURE you see how this is done. It's actually pretty simple, but very easy to screw up.

bizz, it looks great, I can't wait to do mine now. I do like the way the nimbus looks with the black accessories, I am very happy with my color choice. If I ever get around to washing it, I have to post some pics of it.

Thanks!! I believe you will be happy with the install. Be sure to post some pics!

just did mine yesterday...got the silver pop & lock and it matches the truck very well. instructions were very good and the install was pretty easy. I ended up sizing down the drill bit slightly for the larger hole, which worked well.

overall, the pop & lock looks good, installs relatively easy and functions very well. I'm a happy customer.